How to Use Adverbs – A Handy Guide

Adverbs are words that modify the meaning of a verb or an adjective. Here are some examples:

He spoke loudly. (Adverbs of manner)

Please, come here! (Adverbs of place)

I’ll see you tomorrow. (Adverbs of time)

You should practice it twice. (Adverbs of frequency)

In the examples of above, the words that modify the meaning of the verb are adverbs.

Loudly modifies the manner in which he spoke.

Here modifies the place where I’m asking you to come.

Tomorrow modifies the time when I’m planning to see you.

Twice modifies the frequency with which you should practice it.

Types of Adverbs

Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of Place

Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of Manner: As illustrated above, words that answer how an action is performed, are categorized as adverbs of manner. For example, words such as carefully, quickly, beautifully and clearly define the verb in a sentence.

NOTE: Although many adverbs end with a ‘-ly’, not all words with a ‘-ly’ are adverbs. Some of them can be adjective also. Here are some examples of words that not adverbs.

This is a weekly magazine.

It’s such a ghastly act.

let’s go for a leisurely walk.

He’s such a friendly person.

List of Adverbs Not Ending in -ly

Similarly, many words remain the same whether you use them as adjectives or adverbs. Here are some examples:

We’re close friends. (adjective) Andy stood close to the door. (adverb)

He didn’t have a fair chance to win this competition. (adjective) I don’t think she played fair. (adverb, meaning she cheated)